Wednesday 25 September 2024
Prime Minister James Marape receiving the 2025 budget estimates from Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika and Chief Magistrate Mr. Mark Pupaka. (picture credit: PM&NEC Media Unit).
The Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to restoring and maintaining law and order in Papua New Guinea.
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, assured Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika and Chief Magistrate Mr. Mark Pupaka of his government’s continued commitment, adding, the 2025 Budget will provide significant support for both the Judiciary and Magisterial Services, to ensure the effective administration of justice.
He made this assurance when presented with the Judiciary’s budget estimates for 2025 from Sir Gibbs, along with the Magisterial Service’s budget estimates from Mr. Pupaka.
Prime Minister Marape underscored that law and order is now the central focus of the Marape Rosso Government, a stance that reflects the Government’s recognition of its critical importance to national stability as Papua New Guinea prepares to celebrate 50 years of independence in 2025.
Also in attendance at the meeting were Chief Secretary Mr. Ivan Pomaleu, National Judicial Staff Services (NJSS) Secretary Mr. Nicodemus Mosoro, and NJSS Acting Deputy Secretary Mr. Humphrey John. Sir Gibbs requested K369 million as Recurrent Estimates for 2025 in the Judiciary’s Appropriation Bill 2024, an increase of K72.7 million from the 2024 allocation of K296.4 million.
Mr. Pupaka also added that the Magisterial Services’ 2025 budget is projected at K109 million, up from the 2024 allocation of K98 million.
The Chief Justice praised the Government for fully funding the Judiciary’s request in the 2024 National Budget, while the Chief Magistrate acknowledged the Government’s commitment since taking office in 2019, providing Magisterial Services with its highest-ever level of funding.
Prime Minister Marape reiterated that law and order is the foundation of a functioning society and economy, stating, “Administration of the Law and Justice Sector is what secures our country, especially our economy, and both the Higher Court (Supreme and National Court) and the Lower Court (Magisterial Service) are equally important in this regard.”
He emphasised that a strong rule of law is non-negotiable for Papua New Guinea’s future: “A successful country is one that follows the rule of law.
“We cannot pass on a country riddled with law-and-order issues to the next generation. We cannot defer conversations such as this, which focus on strengthening the sector.”
Prime Minister Marape highlighted that the Government’s laser focus on law and order was demonstrated when, immediately after defeating the no-confidence motion on September 12, the Coalition went straight into a meeting and resolved that law and order must be the No. 1 priority of the Government.
He further assured the Judiciary and Magisterial Services that the Government fully supports them, as part of its broader strategy to restore law and order across the country.
“In 2019, after we first formed Government, the economic agenda was No. 1. This time around, my Coalition partners have resolved that law and order must be our No. 1 priority,” the Prime Minister said.
“In line with that, and with the presentations by the Judiciary and Magisterial Services, we will provide the necessary resources and support to both.
“In 2025, as we celebrate 50 years of independence, we will also open the new Waigani National Court Complex,” he added.
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